OREANDA-NEWS. Mariupol’s “We Improve the City” campaign announced the winning 16 projects for this year. The winners were given grants from Metinvest of up to UAH 100,000. The Company allocated UAH 1.4 million in total for this program.

This was the fourth time this contest was held in Mariupol. This year, Mariupol citizens submitted more than 100 projects and ideas for landscaping, improving the environment and developing the city’s infrastructure.

Most of the projects that won this year were focused on developing social infrastructure and health and fitness offerings. Ideas to promote patriotism and Ukrainian cultural heritage were also popular.

As a result of these projects, Mariupol will soon get a folk museum, alley of peace, ethnographic playground in a schoolyard, and patriotic street-art murals on city buildings.

Yuriy Zinchenko, general director of Ilyich Iron & Steel Works of Mariupol:

“The “We Improve the City” contest supported by Metinvest Group is changing life in Mariupol for the better. It involves citizens in social projects, supports them and gives them a real opportunity to implement specific actions. I was sure that there would be many people who wanted to take part in Metinvest Group’s contest, because the citizens of Mariupol are people who are active in life. The contest is growing every year and opportunities through the contest are always improving: we raise the budget and the minimum grants per one project have been increasing. I'd like to congratulate all of the winners. Your ideas are driving the development of Mariupol.”

Enver Tskitishvili, general director of Azovstal:

“Today, iron and steel workers and citizens of Mariupol represent a huge family that is allowing us to overcome many difficulties and helping with peaceful plans. Every year, more and more citizens are participating in the contest and bringing us many interesting ideas. The program involves active people and gives them a chance to feel like we are an effective force that can improve life in the city. Metinvest provides opportunities for citizens to become socially active and obtain financial support to realize actual projects. I would like to thank to all participants and winners for their proactivity!”

Yuriy Khotlubey, mayor of Mariupol:

“We have seen the 16 wonderful projects and learned about the people behind them. The main task for the metallurgical plants is not just to manufacture steel, provide work places and pay salaries, but for many other things! We welcome this initiative of Metinvest Group, the plants and their managers. Thanks to this contest, our city will have a more comfortable living environment, because the projects include the dreams of both adults and children, and issues related to patriotism and the environment – this deserves our thanks.”